Fund launched for families of slain police trio

The Royal Thai Police has launched "Kongthoon Weeraburut Rusoh" (Fund for the Rusoh Heroes) for the families of three officers slain in a bomb attack in the deep South last week.

Pol Lt-Colonel Jakkrit Wongphrommes, Pol Sergeant Piya Phoophanwer and Pol Corporal Suwes Jantharangsee were killed on Friday by the blast in Narathiwat's Rusoh district.

National police deputy chief General Eke Angsananont said the three officers were not locals but had devoted themselves to their duties in the restive region and had made the ultimate sacrifice. Jakkrit had voluntarily transferred to the region in the hope of finding the killers of teacher Juling Pongkunmul, who was held hostage and fatally beaten in May 2006, and vowed to remain until he achieved that goal, Eke said. The two other officers had also volunteered to work in the deep South, where they had been for more than nine years. They were the main breadwinners for their poor families, supporting elderly parents and school-age children, he added. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has given the families initial financial assistance and posthumously promoted the slain officers by seven ranks. Their cremation rites will be royally sponsored.

Ake said bank account "Kongthoon Weeraburut Rusoh", number 038-455301-8, at Siam Commercial Bank Siam Square, was available for those who wanted to make donations for the families. Donors can also fax money-transfer slips via (02) 205 1647, while more information on donation is available at (085) 441 3355, Ake added.